The ADA announced May 12 that it named Raymond A. Cohlmia, D.D.S., dean of the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry and a former ADA Board of Trustees member, as its executive director, effective Nov. 15.

Dr. Cohlmia, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, will begin onboarding for his new position on Oct. 1. The announcement comes after a robust search process that began when the current executive director announced she would retire in 2021.

“The American Dental Association is excited to welcome Dr. Cohlmia as its new executive director,” states ADA president Daniel J. Klemmedson, D.D.S., M.D. “In addition to a breadth of experience in dental practice and education, his many years of service in organized dentistry made him a standout candidate.”
   
Dr. Klemmedson added that Dr. Cohlmia is widely respected in the dental community for his thoughtfulness, dedication and service-oriented approach to leadership.
   
“With these qualities, as well as his proven background, he is well-suited to help the ADA drive dentistry forward and into the future,” Dr. Klemmedson said.
   
Dr. Cohlmia’s experience includes joining the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry faculty in 2009, serving in a variety of leadership positions. In 2011, he was named director of comprehensive care, and he served as assistant dean for patient care from 2013 until he was appointed dean in 2015. Prior to joining the University of Oklahoma, Dr. Cohlmia ran a private dental practice for 26 years.

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